Plus, Seattle City Council passes new measure to fix sidewalks.
 
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Generating empowerment

How Eighth Generation empowers Native artists
EighthGeneration_SEA
Eighth Generation moved to a more visible spot at 1406 First Ave. over the summer. | Photo via Eighth Generation
Eighth Generation has been on cloud nine this year.

First, the Native-owned, Seattle-based shop that highlights goods from other Native artists moved to a bigger and more visible location near its old one in Pike Place Market. Then, a Coast Salish wool blanket designed by the shop’s founder Louie Gong made the cover of British Vogue when Blackfeet actress Lily Gladstone wore it to promote “The Killers of the Flower Moon.”

“It feels like my ancestors are finally being seen,” said Gong. “It’s wild to think that the journey to this cover started with me and a Sharpie.”

Early sketches

Twenty years ago, Gong customized Vans with a marker in his living room, hand-drawing his modern take on Coast Salish art. He learned how to sell his works online, founding Eighth Generation in 2008.

In 2016, Eighth Generation opened a storefront at Pike Place Market and became one of the fastest growing Native-owned companies in the US and Canada. Success gave the shop power to choose collaborations that aligned with its ideals.

“Eighth Generation is a blueprint for Native artists who want to make a living with their art in a good way,” said Gong. “Economic sovereignty is the key to self determination because it gives us the power to say ‘no.’”

An art print that shows abstract shapes around the face of a sheep

Prints like this one from Louie Gong are produced and shipped globally at Eighth Generation.

|

Photo via Louie Gong

Buying with intention

Gong has since sold the business to the Snoqualmie tribe and now works out of his home. “I’m committed to becoming an art student again by working with watercolor and ink,” he said.

But Gong continues to advocate for the brand. In November, he appeared in a video about Google’s new initiative to make sure consumers know which products are from Indigenous-owned businesses.

You can also still find Gong’s designs — including that Coast Salish blanket — at Eighth Generation. Keep an eye out for other items from other Native artists as you finish up your holiday shopping.
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Seattle Good Business Network
 
Events
Friday, Dec. 15
  • Continental Tire Seattle Tip-Off: Gonzaga vs. UConn | Friday, Dec. 15 | 7 p.m. | Climate Pledge Arena, 334 First Ave. N., Seattle | $60-$800 | The No. 10-ranked Zags hope to put the defending NCAA champs on notice in the seventh all-time meeting between the two iconic college basketball programs.
  • Uncle Mike Ruins Christmas | Friday, Dec. 15-Saturday, Dec. 16 | 8 p.m. | Center Theatre, 305 Harrison St., Seattle | $25 | Now in its 16th year, the wacky comedy show involves recreating charming holiday memories from the audience that get trod upon by an uncouth uncle.
Saturday, Dec. 16
  • Winter Bonsai Solstice | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 4-7 p.m. | Pacific Bonsai Museum, 2515 S. 336th St., Federal Way | Free | Gaze at the twinkling lights for the annual event that includes treats, hot chocolate, and gorgeous greenery.
  • December Morbid Market | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 4-9 p.m. | Mudlark Oddities, 6326 22nd Ave. NE, Seattle | $2 | Who says Halloween is over? Peruse macabre goods that’ll make for delightfully freaky stocking stuffers.
  • Wine and Joy | Saturday, Dec. 16 | Chateau Ste. Michelle, 14111 NE 145th St., Woodinville | $45-$55 | Take a self-guided tour around the prestigious winery’s property with tasting stations along the way, paired with bites + music.
Sunday, Dec. 17
  • Holiday Pasta Market | Sunday, Dec. 17 | 12-5 p.m. | Lagana Foods, 2821 NW Market St. Ste. F, Seattle | Free | From lasagna sheets to bucatini, shop for holiday feast-worthy carbs and get some merry marinara to go.
  • Photos with Krampus | Sunday, Dec. 17 | 1-6 p.m. | Retro Emporium, 328 W. Meeker St., Kent | Free | Grab a selfie with the holiday demon known to punish naughty children — make sure to be on your best behavior.
  • Fred Armisen | Sunday, Dec. 17 | 7 p.m. | The Showbox, 1426 First Ave., Seattle | $30 | The former SNL and “Portlandia” star takes the stage to show off his ample music skills.
Monday, Dec. 18
  • Seattle Seahawks vs. Philadelphia Eagles | Monday, Dec. 18 | 5:15 p.m. | Lumen Field, 800 Occidental Ave. S., Seattle | $100-$930 | Monday Night Football descends — and the atmosphere will be intense for this must-win game.
  • Sewing 101 | Monday, Dec. 18 | 6-8 p.m. | Sustainable Capitol Hill Tool Library, 1552 Crawford Place, Seattle | Free | Learn the basics of working with a sewing machine and how to handle tricky threads.
Events calendar here
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News Notes
Civic
  • This week, the Seattle City Council passed legislation aiming to improve city sidewalks. The new measure requires any paving project that costs more than $1 million to include repairs to broken sidewalks. According to the council, there are more than 154,000+ sidewalk deficiencies across Seattle. (KING 5)
Open
  • Silence your phones and sit back — SIFF Cinema Downtown is officially open. You can catch the new movie “Wonka” in the theater formerly known as Cinerama. In addition to its famed chocolate popcorn, look for concessions from local businesses like Yonder Cider and Rachel’s Ginger Beer.
Traffic
  • The stretch of Highway 18 between I-90 and Issaquah-Hobart Road Southeast will be closed today until 2 p.m. for repairs. Crews will be fixing asphalt damaged by recent heavy rain, so expect delays and detours. (Seattle Times)
Biz
  • Excuse us as we crumble over the 10-year anniversary of cookie bakery Hello Robin. The Capitol Hill shop at 19th Ave. E. is celebrating its birthday with neighbor Cone & Steiner tomorrow, Dec. 16, 12-3 p.m. There will be cookie decorating, cider, and mulled wine.
Real Estate
  • A Los Angeles-based real estate firm just purchased a Bellevue apartment building that hadn’t changed hands in over 50 years. Veritas Investments paid ~$16 million for Bellefield Manor located at 1830 108th Ave. SE. There are 44 units in the mid-century building that was renovated just a few years ago. (Puget Sound Business Journal)
Stat
  • According to the recent US census data, nine King County areas exceed a median income of $250,000. The only Seattle neighborhood in that echelon is Laurelhurst — all the others are located on the Eastside, including Bellevue, Redmond, Mercer Island, and parts of Sammamish.
Announced
Drink
  • We’ll cheers to this. One of Seattle-based Westland Distillery’s whiskies was recently named the third best in the world by Whiskey Advocate magazine. The limited edition Garryana single malt scored 94 points out of 100 on the mag’s quality scale. (Seattle Times)
Finance
  • This no-annual-fee balance transfer offer now lasts until 2025. Transferring your existing balance to a no-interest card could be the simple solution you’re looking for to finally get ahead of your payments. (Oh, and it offers cash back rewards on everyday purchases.)*
Wellness
 
Cause

❤️ Play the part of Santa

Where to find toy drives in Seattle
TreehouseToyDrive_SEA
Treehouse has an online wish list to stock up its store. | Photo via Treehouse
Looking to spread some holiday cheer for charity? Local toy drives are a great way to give back and keep up Seattle’s status as one of the most caring cities in the US.

In addition to volunteer opportunities, the following organizations are still seeking unused item donations for families and children in need.

🎁 Seattle Children’s | The pediatric hospital allows in-person drop-offs by appointment only on Saturday, Dec. 16. But it prefers donations via its Amazon Wish List that includes games, crafts, and sensory toys.

🎁 Treehouse | Headquartered in the Central District, this organization aids youth in foster care. There’s a holiday wish list — but supporters are also encouraged to host their own drive.

🎁 Wellspring Family Services | The nonprofit whose mission is to end family homelessness has a gift drive through Wednesday, Dec. 20. Shop the Amazon Wish List for items to donate like science kits and Legos.
The Buy

The Buy 12.15.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
This smart mug warmer that keeps beverages the temperature of your choice and has automatic shut-off.
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The Wrap
 
Gabe Guarente headshot

Today’s edition by:
Gabe
From the editor
Out of the “best dishes” New York Times editors ate this year, three were from Seattle: the Dungeness crab doughnut at Boat Bar, the spicy pork adobo at Kilig, and the rosette cookie at newly opened Atoma.

I’d like to add the Korean fried wings at WeRo to the list. They’re some of the best I’ve had — but really anything on that Ballard restaurant’s menu is top notch.
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